When you have weather this good, how could you not eat outside?

This week and last, Meadowview Elementary has been hosting ‘Lunch on the Lawn,’ inviting families to join their students for lunch outside in the sunshine. From picnic blankets to lots of smiles, it’s been a fun way for families to enjoy some extra time together during the school day!

Some families packed special lunches for the occasion, while others were just too jealous of Meadowview’s delicious cafeteria food and had to grab a tray alongside their students!

Nothing beats good weather, good food, and great company.
1 day ago, Milford Schools
A parent hugs a smiling student while sitting on a picnic blanket during Lunch on the Lawn outside Meadowview Elementary. Lunch containers and water bottles sit nearby on the blanket.
Dozens of Meadowview families spread out across the grass outside the school building during Lunch on the Lawn. Families sit on blankets and folding chairs while eating lunch together outdoors.
A student and adult smile while sitting in folding chairs during Lunch on the Lawn at Meadowview Elementary. Families gather throughout the grassy area behind them enjoying lunch together outdoors.
A student and parent smile while sitting together on a colorful picnic blanket during Lunch on the Lawn at Meadowview Elementary. Lunch snacks and bags are spread out around them on the grass.
Families sit together in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets outside Meadowview Elementary during Lunch on the Lawn. Parents and students enjoy meals together on a grassy field surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
A student and family members smile while sitting on a picnic blanket during Meadowview’s Lunch on the Lawn event. Chick-fil-A meals and drinks are spread out on the blanket as families gather in the background.
A parent and student sit together on a blue tarp picnic blanket while eating lunch outside during Meadowview’s Lunch on the Lawn event. Chick-fil-A meals and drinks are placed between them.
Families gather across a sunny grassy field outside Meadowview Elementary during Lunch on the Lawn. Parents and students sit on blankets and lawn chairs enjoying lunch together outdoors.
FAST FACTS: Milford Finances!

Did you know Milford Schools has reduced administrative costs from 13.75% of total general fund expenditures to just 7.29%?

That means Milford Schools is now well below the administrative spending benchmark referenced in House Bill 96.

Through strategic financial planning and continued efforts to improve efficiency, Milford Schools remains focused on putting resources where they matter most: supporting students and classrooms.
1 day ago, Milford Schools
Graphic titled “Administrative Costs as a % of Total General Fund Expenditures.” It compares previous administrative costs of 13.75% to current administrative costs of 7.29%, with an arrow showing the decrease. A callout says the current percentage is in line with state expectations in accordance with House Bill 96. The graphic includes the “Fast Facts! Milford Finances” logo and notes the data is according to the Year-to-Date General Fund Revenue Overview from March 2026.

What started as thousands of donated colored pencils became something truly beautiful at Boyd E. Smith Elementary.

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Mrs. Lempa-Cooper worked alongside her art students to create this incredible butterfly sculpture and outdoor learning space that students will enjoy for years to come.

More than 30 fifth- and sixth-grade students voluntarily stayed after school to help bring the project to life, carefully placing donated colored pencils piece by piece to create the colorful butterfly now displayed near the playground.

Mrs. Lempa-Cooper also helped create the surrounding pollinator-friendly garden area, turning the space into a place where students can read, explore nature, and enjoy the creativity of the students who came before them.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this beautiful project possible! Families can see this incredible piece and dozens of other student-created works during tomorrow’s Boyd E. Smith Art Show!

2 days ago, Milford Schools
Students and a teacher stand outside beside a large colorful butterfly art installation attached to a fence near a school building and flower garden.
Close-up photo of a butterfly-shaped outdoor art installation made from colorful recycled art materials attached to a black fence above a flower bed.
Student wearing a walking boot works on assembling a large butterfly art piece made from colorful crayons on the classroom floor.
Students in an art classroom paint and assemble a large butterfly mural using bright colors, crayons, and mixed media materials spread across the floor.
Large group of students gathered in an art classroom around a colorful butterfly art project made from crayons and mixed materials spread across the floor.
Elementary students sit on a blanket outside reading books and completing activities near a colorful butterfly installation and flower garden.
They may be substitutes, but there’s no substituting the impact they have at Milford! ❤️

Join us in congratulating our SubSolutions “Substitute Teachers of the Year” honorees:
⭐ Carol Anderson — Certified Substitute of the Year
⭐ Linda Berkley — Classified Substitute of the Year
⭐ Elizabeth “Liz” Lipton — Certified Substitute of the Year

Whether stepping into classrooms, supporting students, or helping keep our schools running smoothly, these three make a difference every single day. Thank you for your flexibility, care, and commitment to Milford students and staff. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Milford family!
2 days ago, Milford Schools
District administrators and staff stand together in a classroom with substitute teacher Liz Lipton, who is holding a “Certified Substitute of the Year” certificate and smiling for the camera. The group poses in front of classroom windows and colorful decorations.
A group of Milford Schools staff members stand together in a classroom celebrating substitute teacher Linda Berkley, who is holding a “Classified Substitute of the Year” certificate. Staff members smile beside her while colorful classroom decorations and student seating are visible in the background.
Milford Schools administrators and staff stand outside on a sunny day with substitute teacher Carol Anderson, who is holding a “Certified Substitute of the Year” certificate. The group smiles together on a blacktop area with balloons, parked cars, and trees in the background.
Time to go back to where it all started.

This Friday, May 15, our Milford High School seniors will take one final walk through the elementary schools that helped shape them into the Class of 2026. From high fives in the hallways to reconnecting with former teachers, Senior Walk is always one of Milford’s favorite traditions.

Our seniors will return to their elementary schools to soak in the memories, be cheered on by current students, and thank the staff members who made an impact along the way.

Senior Walk Schedule:
• Boyd E. Smith – 11:30 a.m.
• McCormick – 11:30 a.m.
• Pattison – 1:15 p.m.
• Meadowview – 1:30 p.m.
• Mulberry – 1:45 p.m.
• Seipelt – 2:15 p.m.

Help us celebrate the Class of 2026!
3 days ago, Milford Schools
Graphic showing Milford seniors in red graduation caps and gowns participating in the “Senior Walk” tradition while elementary students line the hallway for high fives. Text reads: “Class of 2026 Senior Walk” with Friday, May 15 times listed for Boyd E. Smith, McCormick, Pattison, Meadowview, Mulberry, and Seipelt.
TOMORROW! 🎶

Meet Superintendent Dr. Fiori while you wait at the Middle School Band Concert!

Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dr. Fiori will be in the Milford Middle School cafeteria talking with families before and during performances. Stop by, say hello, meet other Milford families, and learn more about what’s happening across Milford Schools!

We hope to see you there!
3 days ago, Milford Schools
Graphic for Before the Band event. Text reads: “Before the Band. Meet the Superintendent while you wait! Talk with Superintendent Fiori before or after your student’s performance. Meet and greet with other families. Enjoy refreshments while you wait. Milford Middle School. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13.” Includes a photo of Dr. Bobbie Fiori talking with families in a cafeteria.
🚨 CLASSIFIED INFORMATION! PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION: 🚨

Last week, Mrs. Nunner’s kindergarten students secretly transformed into superheroes, using their powers of kindness, responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and respect! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Thanks to donations from families through Mrs. Nunner’s Amazon Wish List, each student received their very own superhero cape and mask as part of a surprise Super Hero Day. Students created secret identities and learned what it truly means to be an everyday hero in the classroom and beyond.

To protect their identities, these heroes removed their capes and masks while walking the halls… but thanks to their secret bracelets, they could still recognize their fellow superheroes.
3 days ago, Milford Schools
A class of kindergarten students dressed as superheroes pose together in front of a comic book-themed backdrop while wearing colorful masks and capes.
A student dressed as a superhero poses in front of a comic book-themed backdrop wearing a purple outfit, yellow cape, and yellow mask while holding a “Zap!” sign.
Several kindergarten students in superhero costumes make their way through a classroom “laser maze” obstacle course during Superhero Academy activities.
Kindergarten students and staff smile together during Superhero Academy Day while dressed in superhero-themed costumes and colorful masks.
A staff member dressed as a superhero-inspired secret agent poses in a trench coat and fedora while revealing an “Incredibles” shirt underneath.
A kindergarten student smiles while holding a “My Superhero” worksheet featuring a drawing of themselves as a superhero with a red cape and blue suit. The student’s superhero power is listed as “fly.”
A student wearing a blue cape and mask poses in front of a superhero backdrop while holding a “Boom!” sign and striking a superhero pose.
Kindergarten students dressed in colorful superhero capes and masks carefully work together to navigate through a classroom obstacle course made of string and chairs.
A class of kindergarten students dressed as superheroes pose together in front of a comic book-themed backdrop while wearing colorful masks and capes.
A group of kindergarten students and their teacher pose in superhero masks and capes while holding comic book-style signs that read “Pow!,” “Zap!,” and “Crunch!”
ONE LAST RIDE!

It’s almost time for one of Milford’s favorite traditions! On Thursday, May 14, Milford High School seniors will make their annual Senior Bike Ride to campus before kicking off Senior Field Day. Community members may see students riding bikes, golf carts, ATVs, and more along Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road as they make their way toward Milford Middle School beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Seniors, a few quick reminders:
• Meet at Meijer at 10:15 a.m.
• The ride begins promptly at 10:30 a.m.
• No lawn mowers or tractors permitted
• No pulling students behind bikes, carts, or ATVs
• Please arrange for drop-off and pick-up. Vehicles should not be left at Meijer

We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 during one of their final rides together!
3 days ago, Milford Schools
A graphic promoting the Milford Schools Senior Bike Ride on May 14. The graphic features a red background with bold text reading “Senior Bike Ride” and “Milford Schools.” A large illustrated bicycle stretches across the bottom half of the image. Two polaroid-style photos show Milford seniors riding bikes and golf carts during a past bike ride event. A black starburst shape reads “One Last Ride!” Event details at the bottom state the ride will travel from Meijer to Milford Middle School and begin at 10:30 a.m.

We have a national champion right here at Milford!

Freshman Xander Dejkunchorn recently captured the all-around national championship in his age division at the USA Gymnastics Men’s Level 9 National Championships, finishing first overall against some of the nation’s top gymnasts.

Xander also earned national titles on pommel horse and parallel bars while placing fourth on rings and seventh on floor exercise! Congratulations, Xander! Milford is incredibly proud of you and cannot wait to see what you accomplish next at Level 10!

Read more about Xander's accomplishment here: https://www.milfordschools.org/article/2884539

3 days ago, Milford Schools
Milford High School freshman Xander Dejkunchorn competes on the rings during the USA Gymnastics Men’s Level 9 National Championships while coaches and athletes watch nearby.
Milford High School freshman Xander Dejkunchorn performs on the pommel horse during the USA Gymnastics Men’s Level 9 National Championships.
Milford High School freshman Xander Dejkunchorn performs on the rings during a gymnastics competition, holding his legs extended in a split position while suspended above the mat.
Congratulations to Milford’s Isla Janson on placing in the Top 10 in Fundamental Desktop Publishing at this year’s Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference!

Through her work at Live Oaks, Isla developed the creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to compete at the national level in a fast-paced event that challenges students to think creatively under strict time constraints.

Join us in congratulating Isla on this outstanding achievement! Read more about her previous accomplishments at regionals at: https://www.milfordschools.org/article/2703364
4 days ago, Milford Schools
A student and staff member smile together at an event venue with blue and purple lighting in the background. The student, wearing a black outfit and glasses, holds up a medal while standing beside the staff member in a suit and patterned tie.
A student wearing glasses stands in a bright open hallway wearing a maroon “Boston” hoodie and gray sweatpants. A school ID badge is clipped near the pocket of the sweatshirt.
Last week, the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Spring Play Day brought together current and future Milford Middle School WEB leaders for a day of team-building and fun!

Our current 8th-grade leaders are preparing to pass the torch to the next group of WEB leaders for the 2026-27 school year, and we are so excited for the impact they will make. These students help incoming middle schoolers feel welcomed, supported, and connected from day one.

Our incoming students are in very good hands!
4 days ago, Milford Schools
Students and staff pose together in the Milford Middle School gym during a WEB orientation event focused on welcoming and supporting incoming students.
Two middle school students kneel on the gym floor while working together to arrange striped paper straws during a collaborative challenge activity.
Two middle school students sit on the gym floor reviewing instructions and working together on a hands-on team-building activity with paper straws.
Middle school students work together in small groups during a team-building activity in the gym. One student sits on a stool reviewing instructions while others gather around discussing their next move.
Milford Middle School WEB students gather for a group photo in the gym during a “Where Everybody Belongs” orientation event.
UC Clermont has some pretty good taste…though we may be a little biased. 🎨🦅

Student artists from Pattison Elementary, McCormick Elementary, Milford Middle School, and Milford High School currently have artwork featured in UC Clermont’s America 250 Art Gallery!

Community members can stop by the Snyder Building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the gallery and support the incredible creativity of our students.

Be sure to also check out the reception night on Thursday, May 14 from 5–7:30 p.m.!

Learn more about this free community art gallery at: https://www.ucclermont.edu/about/community/arts/art-gallery.html
5 days ago, Milford Schools
ADA Description: Graphic promoting Milford student artwork featured in the UC Clermont County Student Art Exhibition. The graphic features Milford red, black, and white branding with several student artwork pieces displayed throughout, including photography, drawings, mosaics, and cityscape artwork. Text highlights that the gallery is currently on display Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Snyder Building. A red banner at the bottom promotes the reception night on Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at UC Clermont.
Our seniors are signing off.

Today, members of the Class of 2026 celebrated their Senior Sunrise with donuts, treats, photos, and plenty of memories. Students spent the morning signing yearbooks, laughing with friends, and soaking in some of their final moments together as classmates.

While their paths may soon take them in different directions, the memories, friendships, and moments they’ve shared at Milford will stay with them long after graduation day.
7 days ago, Milford Schools
A Milford senior wearing glasses smiles while holding a colorful “Senior Sunrise 2026” frame on the turf field during the sunrise celebration.
A large group of Milford High School seniors pose together on the turf field during Senior Sunrise at sunrise. Students wear college and university apparel representing schools such as Ohio State, Miami University, Cincinnati, Indiana, and South Carolina while smiling for a group photo under a pink and purple morning sky.
A Milford senior plays with a colorful ball on the turf field during Senior Sunrise while wearing a black hoodie and gray sweatpants. The early morning sky and trees are visible in the background.
Four male Milford seniors stand on the turf field with their arms crossed during Senior Sunrise. The students wear casual athletic clothing and college apparel, including Cincinnati and Miami University gear, while posing in front of the Milford athletics signage at sunrise.
Five female Milford seniors smile together on the turf field during Senior Sunrise while wearing college and university apparel representing schools including Kentucky, Otterbein, Ohio, and Cincinnati. The pink sunrise sky glows behind them.
Two Milford seniors smile with their arms around each other during Senior Sunrise on the turf field. One student wears an Iowa sweatshirt while the other wears an Ohio University shirt, with other students blurred in the background during the early morning event.
Seven female Milford seniors pose together on the turf field during Senior Sunrise while wearing college apparel from schools including Auburn, Ohio University, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Ohio State. Blankets and personal items are scattered on the turf behind them as the sun rises.
A group of Milford seniors pose together for a photo during Senior Sunrise while another student takes their picture. The students smile and hold playful poses on the turf field as the sun rises behind the trees.
A Milford senior smiles while holding a colorful handmade frame that reads “Senior Sunrise 2026” during the early morning event on the turf field.
A group of Milford seniors wearing college apparel from schools including Ohio University, Ohio Northern, Rio Grande, and Northern Kentucky University smile together for a group photo during Senior Sunrise on the turf field.
here’s always a first.

Your first car. Your first job. Your first... school lunch.

Yesterday, Ms. Cowell’s kindergarten students at Mulberry got to experience their very first school lunch! Since these half-day kindergarteners normally don’t get the chance to eat lunch at school, Ms. Cowell decided it was time for a little practice before they become big-time first graders next year.

Students went through the lunch line, sat together at the tables, and learned all about cafeteria expectations and respectful lunchroom behavior. Safe to say they handled it like pros.

One more way our students are preparing for the future, one first at a time. ❤️
7 days ago, Milford Schools
A kindergarten student wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt carefully carries a red lunch tray with milk, vegetables, and a corndog through the cafeteria line while staff assist students in the background.
A smiling kindergarten student wearing a red shirt and bow sits at a cafeteria table with her lunch tray, holding up a corndog for the camera.
Ms. Cowell helps a kindergarten student open and organize items on her lunch tray while they sit together in the cafeteria during the class lunch practice.
Principal Greb kneels beside a kindergarten student in the cafeteria while helping her through the lunch process. A sign for juice options is visible in the foreground.
A young student wearing a blue GAP sweatshirt stands in the cafeteria line with a lunch tray containing pizza, tater tots, and milk while classmates wait behind her.
Principal Greb assists a kindergarten student spreading mustard onto bread at a cafeteria table while the student prepares his lunch.
A smiling kindergarten student holds up a handwritten note while sitting in the cafeteria with classmates during lunch.
Ms. Cowell stands near the cafeteria line helping kindergarten students as they practice going through the lunch process independently.
Did you hear? Milford Schools is launching a brand-new online learning option for high school students, all at no additional cost to the district!

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students in grades 9–12 can enroll in the Milford Online Academy, a flexible online program supported by Milford educators students already know and trust.

Designed for today’s learners, the Milford Online Academy features asynchronous coursework paired with access to live virtual tutoring and support from certified Milford staff. Students can learn on their own schedule while still staying connected, supported, and on track for success.

Learn more and complete your Intent to Enroll form today at: https://www.milfordschools.org/o/mevs/page/2026-2027-milford-online-academy-enrollment?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSXhsQnB1cmNCWHJWWnFOMnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6qyK8Qm0d56gnw3uSEHrbPcSTJmqw077Avc2-By_je2uI_VtWSfMMsyks-dw_aem_TpzRaBPmdmh_V6Kl1pEV-g
7 days ago, Milford Schools
Graphic promoting Milford Online Academy, a new online learning option for students in grades 9–12 beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. The design features photos of students working on laptops. Text explains that the program offers flexible, fully online learning through the Edmentum platform, allowing students to learn on their own schedule. Daily attendance expectations include logging in each school day, actively engaging in coursework, and making academic progress. A highlighted section notes fully asynchronous coursework with optional live virtual tutoring and support from Milford staff. The graphic ends with a call to action: “Complete Your Intent to Enroll Form Today!”
There’s still time to sign up for Milford Summer School!

Whether you want to get ahead, stay on track, or knock out graduation requirements early, Milford Summer School offers flexible online courses for students entering grades 8–12. Courses include Health, Financial Literacy, and Physical Education, and enrollment is open to both Milford students and students outside the district.

Learn more about pricing and registration here: https://www.milfordschools.org/page/summer-school?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSXhsQnB1cmNCWHJWWnFOMnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7qz0NKQLBs8LnnODie9Q9kd3kjf7vs-Ba0BRbhSiGcCJRkMnZCVJqo70xQLQ_aem_zBcMIsqiEfOQUUqU-sKibQ
8 days ago, Milford Schools
Graphic promoting Milford Summer School enrollment. The design features a red and white Milford Schools header with the text “Summer School Enrollment.” Details state that starting June 1, students can earn credits toward graduation. Courses listed include Physical Education, Financial Literacy, and Health. Registration deadline is May 25, 2026. The program is open to all students, including those who do not attend Milford Schools. The image includes a photo of a student wearing headphones and working on a laptop at a desk, along with illustrations of stacked books and an apple.
Tomorrow!

Milford Schools is partnering with Charlie Health to offer a virtual parent presentation focused on early substance use awareness and prevention. Learn how to recognize warning signs, start meaningful conversations, and know when to seek support.

Join the conversation on May 7 from 6–7:30 p.m. at:
https://charliehealth.zoom.us/j/87522851030?fbclid=IwY2xjawRmzJdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoZGtxMnZLRlRyUk90eTcxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjsyaqxo9T0HyHEmYNrl4iRGFoqmHScvs4VcT7cw16fpCgRVzeSY_dg5bl2a_aem_B9qPltM_wXzApcdLJz90NQ#success
9 days ago, Milford Schools
Flyer from Charlie Health with the headline “Know the signs. Start the conversation.” promoting a virtual parent presentation on early substance use awareness and prevention. Text explains the session will help parents recognize warning signs, take preventative steps, and feel confident starting conversations and knowing when to seek support. Event details: May 7, 6–7:30 p.m., with a QR code to attend. Illustration shows a young person surrounded by a cloud-like haze, holding their chest, symbolizing stress or substance-related struggle.
Creativity, imagination, and just 100 words. That’s all it took for students at Boyd E. Smith Elementary to earn national recognition.

Students in Mr. Parnin’s class last year were recently named first-place winners in the Young Writers “Magic Map” competition, a nationwide contest that challenges elementary students to craft original short stories around a central theme.

Read more about the competition and the incredible stories they created, and join us in congratulating these young authors on a national achievement!

https://www.milfordschools.org/article/2865156
9 days ago, Milford Schools
A teacher stands smiling between two elementary-aged students in a school hallway or classroom display area. The student on the left holds a book titled The Magic Map: Journeys of Wonder, while the student on the right holds a clear award plaque. All three face the camera and smile. Behind them is a colorful wall filled with student artwork featuring insects and drawings, along with the word “BUGZ” displayed across the top.
Check out the wide array of talent on display at last month’s Board of Education meeting.

In addition to recognizing student artists from Pattison Elementary and Milford Middle School, the Board conducted regular business, including a review of transportation following the performance audit, an athletic boosters update, and more.

Read the full recap: https://www.milfordschools.org/article/2867733
10 days ago, Milford Schools
A young student in a floral dress smiles while fist bumping a school administrator at the front of a meeting room during a recognition ceremony.
Two school administrators stand with three students in front of a large red eagle wall graphic. The group poses for a photo, smiling, as part of a recognition at a Board of Education meeting.
A high school student stands in a meeting room filled with red chairs as attendees applaud. Several adults and students are seated around him, clapping in recognition during a Board of Education meeting.A high school student stands in a meeting room filled with red chairs as attendees applaud. Several adults and students are seated around him, clapping in recognition during a Board of Education meeting.
A student wearing a "Milford" shirt focuses while fist bumping a school administrator during a recognition at a Board of Education meeting, with a “Milford” sign visible in the background.
A student wearing a patterned sweatshirt smiles while fist bumping a school administrator during a recognition at a Board of Education meeting, with a “Milford” sign visible in the background.
A student in a pink shirt fist bumps a school administrator at a table during a Board of Education meeting. Other staff members stand nearby, and a “Milford” sign is visible on the wall behind them.
A young student wearing a purple shirt fist bumps a school administrator at the front of a meeting room. Another staff member stands nearby as part of a student recognition moment.
A young student in a black tank smiles while fist bumping a school administrator at the front of a meeting room during a recognition ceremony.
A young student in a teal shirt fist bumps a school administrator across a table during a recognition moment at a Board of Education meeting.
Six elementary-aged students stand in a line in front of a large red eagle graphic on a wall. The students are smiling and dressed casually, posing for a recognition photo.
Can you feel it? The Force is strong with these students.

Students in Mrs. Baker’s class at Boyd E. Smith celebrated May the Fourth with Star Wars-themed learning activities, brain-boosting movement breaks and plenty of fun outfits to match the day.

From Darth Vader to Grogu, the classroom was full of creativity, energy and a little bit of galactic fun.
11 days ago, Milford Schools
A teacher stands smiling behind a group of elementary students lined up in a classroom, all facing the camera. Several students are wearing Star Wars-themed clothing, including shirts featuring characters like Darth Vader and Grogu. Behind them, a large screen displays the “Star Wars” logo against a starry background. The classroom walls show colorful learning materials, and the students appear cheerful and excited.